Department of Agricultural Resource Economics
School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology (SAAT) • Federal University of Technology, Akure
About the Department
The Department of Agricultural Resource Economics at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) is a leading center for economics education and research within the School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology (SAAT). Our department emphasizes the application of economic principles and quantitative methods to solve real-world agricultural and rural development problems, preparing graduates for careers in agricultural policy, development, and business.
Agricultural Resource Economics combines economic theory, farm management, marketing principles, and policy analysis to address challenges in food production, resource allocation, and sustainable development. Our comprehensive curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application through case studies, field surveys, and engagement with farming communities. Students learn to analyze farm profitability, design efficient production systems, evaluate marketing opportunities, and contribute to evidence-based agricultural policy.
The department emphasizes data-driven analysis, economic modeling, and systems thinking to understand agricultural value chains from production through marketing. We leverage modern analytical tools including econometrics, GIS, and farm management software. Strong linkages with farmers, agribusinesses, and government agencies provide students with real-world experience and professional development opportunities.
Our graduates are recognized for their analytical skills, business acumen, and ability to solve agricultural challenges. They pursue careers with government agencies, international development organizations, agricultural enterprises, research institutions, and many establish their own agribusinesses. They contribute significantly to Nigeria's agricultural transformation and food security objectives by improving farm productivity, marketing efficiency, and policy formulation.
What We Offer
Academic Programs
- B.Tech in Agricultural Resource Economics - 5-year undergraduate program
- M.Tech in Agricultural Economics - Postgraduate studies
- M.Phil in Agricultural Economics - Research-based Masters
- Ph.D in Agricultural Economics - Doctoral research program
Specialized Areas
- Farm Management and Production Economics
- Agricultural Marketing and Cooperatives
- Agribusiness and Entrepreneurship
- Agricultural Finance and Credit
- Natural Resource Economics
- Agricultural Policy and Development
- International Agricultural Trade
- Climate Change Economics
Laboratory & Facilities
Economics Laboratory
Computers with statistical software (STATA, SPSS), econometric analysis tools, data processing
Data Management Center
GIS capabilities, satellite imagery analysis, farm management software, database systems
Business Incubation Hub
Agribusiness development support, entrepreneurship mentoring, business planning resources
Research Focus Areas
Our department conducts cutting-edge research to advance agricultural economics and rural development:
Farm Management and Production Economics
Farm profitability analysis; production cost optimization; enterprise budgeting; farm record analysis; resource allocation efficiency; productivity improvement strategies.
Agricultural Marketing and Trade
Market structure analysis; price relationships; supply chain efficiency; export competitiveness; market information systems; value chain analysis.
Agribusiness Development and Finance
Business plan development; agricultural credit access; financial management; investment analysis; agribusiness feasibility studies; entrepreneurship promotion.
Agricultural Policy and Planning
Policy evaluation; impact assessment; program planning; agricultural sector analysis; food security studies; rural development strategies.
Natural Resource Economics
Land and soil economics; water resource management; environmental valuation; sustainable agriculture; climate-smart agriculture economics.
International Agricultural Economics
Trade policy analysis; commodity markets; export promotion; international competitiveness; market integration; global value chains.
Rural Development and Cooperative Economics
Rural livelihoods; cooperative enterprise management; collective marketing; community-based development; poverty alleviation strategies.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of Agricultural Resource Economics enjoy diverse and rewarding career paths:
Government Agencies
Ministry of Agriculture, ADPs, FMARD, agricultural planning and policy roles
Agribusiness Enterprises
Farm managers, agribusiness consultants, marketing managers, business development officers
Financial Institutions
Agricultural loan officers, credit analysts, rural finance specialists, investment advisors
Research Institutions
Agricultural economists, research scientists, policy analysts, program evaluators
Academia & Teaching
University lecturers, researchers, extension educators, academic supervisors
International Organizations
FAO, World Bank, IFAD, USAID, NGOs in agricultural development projects
Consulting Firms
Agricultural consultants, market analysts, feasibility study specialists
Input Supply Companies
Feed mills, fertilizer companies, seeds companies, market development officers
Entrepreneurship
Own agribusiness, consulting services, farm management companies, market aggregation
Course Materials & Resources
Access comprehensive learning materials, textbooks, lecture notes, and study resources organized by academic level.
100 Level Resources
Foundation courses in agriculture, economics, mathematics, and statistics.
First Semester
Comprehensive Study Resources Available
All 100 Level first semester materials including lecture notes, past questions, textbooks, and practical guides are available in our offline study packs.
Access Offline Study PacksSecond Semester
Complete Course Materials
Second semester study materials covering agriculture, basic economics, and quantitative methods are fully available.
Go to Offline Study PacksFoundation Year
100 Level focuses on general agriculture and quantitative foundations. Courses include Introduction to Agriculture, Agricultural Mathematics, General Economics, Agricultural Chemistry, Biology, Computer Applications, and Use of English.
200 Level Resources
Foundational agricultural and economic courses including microeconomics, farm management, and statistics.
Download 200 Level Materials
Complete course materials, lecture notes, practical manuals, and past examination questions available in offline study packs.
Access Study PacksIntroduction to Farm Management
Farm systems, farm records, planning and organization
Microeconomics
Supply and demand, production theory, consumer behavior
Agricultural Statistics
Data collection, descriptive statistics, probability
Agricultural Marketing
Market structure, marketing channels, commodity markets
Crop and Animal Production
Production practices, breeding, enterprise characteristics
Farm Measurement & Estimation
Farm size analysis, area measurement, yield estimation
300 Level Resources
Core economic courses and specialized agricultural topics including farm economics and advanced marketing.
Download 300 Level Materials
Advanced course materials and comprehensive study resources.
Access Study PacksProduction Economics
Production functions, resource allocation, optimization
Farm Management Practice
Farm planning, record keeping, business analysis
Agricultural Marketing II
Price analysis, market information, value addition
Agricultural Finance
Farm credit, financial management, investment analysis
Agricultural Cooperatives
Cooperative organization, collective marketing, group management
Natural Resource Economics
Land economics, environmental valuation, sustainability
400 Level Resources
SIWES (Students' Industrial Work Experience) - Farm and agribusiness practical training year.
Industrial Training Year
400 Level is dedicated to practical training at approved farms and agribusiness establishments. Students gain hands-on experience in real-world operations.
Access SIWES ResourcesSIWES Logbook
Documentation of practical training activities and learning
Technical Report Writing
Guidelines for industrial training report preparation
Farm Practicals
Hands-on training in production systems and management
500 Level Resources
Final year advanced courses, specialization options, and research project.
Download 500 Level Materials
Final year resources including research methodology, project guides, and comprehensive revision materials.
Access Study PacksEconometrics
Regression analysis, applied econometric methods
Agricultural Policy Analysis
Policy evaluation, impact assessment, program design
Agribusiness Management
Strategic planning, business development, entrepreneurship
International Agricultural Trade
Trade policy, export markets, competitiveness analysis
Research Project
Independent research, thesis writing, oral defense
Seminar Presentation
Research presentation, portfolio review, industry engagement
Admission Requirements
UTME Requirements
- Minimum UTME score of 180+
- Subject combination: English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry
- Five O'Level credits including English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and one other subject
- Credits obtainable in maximum of two sittings
Direct Entry Requirements
- Two A'Level passes in Agriculture/Biology and Chemistry/Mathematics
- ND/HND upper credit in Agricultural-related fields
- JUPEB, IJMB, or Cambridge A'Level accepted
- Plus O'Level requirements as stated above
Contact the Department
Department Office
Department of Agricultural Resource Economics
School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology
Federal University of Technology, Akure
PMB 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria
gabriel@legacybygabriel.com.ng
+234 (0) 913-209-1205
Office Hours
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday: By Appointment
Sunday: Closed